Memphis quarterback Brady White said the words over and over in disbelief following Memphis’ 31-30 home loss to UCF.

“We should’ve won that game.” White said.

It was a mantra that will be repeated by his teammates and fans for a while. Losing to Navy involved a bigger fourth quarter collapse, but Saturday will linger because of the magnitude.

Not only did Memphis have a chance to upset a top-10 team, the Tigers would have restored some of the luster taken away after losing to Tulane. But after Saturday, it may take longer for the Tigers to find some shine.

Tyler Smith, a heart transplant recipient and LeBonheur patient, leads the Memphis Tigers through the traditional Tiger Walk at the Liberty Bowl before their game against UCF on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Best redemption: Riley Patterson

For the second straight week, Patterson eclipsed his career high with a 45-yard field goal. He tied it earlier in the game with a 43-yard field goal.

It was a sweet relief for Patterson, who missed two field goals against UCF last year. The sophomore also tied his career high with three made field goals Saturday and improved to 4-for-5 on field goals of 40 yards or more

Worst risk: UCF coach Josh Heupel on 4th-and-1

If you’re a Memphis fan, Heupel’s decision was the worst time to get risky. For UCF fans? It was a bold move on the road.

UCF trailed 30-14 when Heupel sent his offense out in a heavy package. Memphis crashed the line of scrimmage but let Taj McGowan escape for a 71-yard touchdown run.

That play helped shifted the momentum towards UCF while Memphis couldn't shake the funk of a bad second half.